This realization strengthens our ability to listen to
others, to bear witness even when their words dent the ego structure. This
equanimity or serenity is, as Sri Krishna teaches Arjuna (Bhagavad Gita
2:15), being alike in pleasure and pain. In a state of serenity, we do not
crave approval or fear rejection. We remain serene even when faced with
troublesome vrittis or mind waves, such as incorrect perception, imagination,
and memory.

According to sutra 1:12 (“Abhyasa vairagya bhyam tan
nirodha”), the ability to calm the vrittis comes through detachment and
practice. (For guided practice, Rama
Vernon,Ruth
Hartung, and others
teach yoga-based conflict resolution workshops around the U.S.) The yamas
and niyamas
are a brilliant foundation for developing discernment and equanimity, but each
of yoga’s eight limbs supports and strengthens the practitioner’s evolution
toward wholeness and peace. (Yes, even asana.)

So the next time Uncle Bob tries to push your buttons over
the cranberry sauce, draw on your yogic skills to listen for the underlying
vrittis. (But maybe don’t say to him "It’s all about the yoga!")

What are some ways you have resolved inner or outer
conflict through yoga?

A former teacher and forever student, Kathleen Bryant swapped her running shoes for a yoga blanket in 1992, when she joined her first Hatha Yoga class in the back room of a local crystal shop. After earning a 500-hour teaching certificate from the International Yoga College, she taught anatomy, asana, and other subjects at 7 Centers School of Yoga Arts in Sedona, AZ. Kathleen is especially interested in the therapeutic aspects of yoga and continues to learn from Rama Jyoti Vernon, an amazing yogini who inspires her students to integrate yoga philosophy and mythology with contemporary life. An award-winning author, she has also published a children’s story, a cookbook, and books that focus on Southwest culture, travel, and natural history.

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Our Yoga Books

Check out our yoga books: Yoga for Beginners takes you through all the basics of practicing yoga and then teaches you the poses in the context of a yoga practice sequence. Yoga Class guides you through eight lessons to learn 30 of the most commonly used poses while incorporating yogic philosophy and principles of alignment.

New to Yoga?

To get the most out of our site, we suggest you take some time to explore before jumping into the practice. Browse our yoga 101 section for general info on the history and types of yoga, then start exploring asanas the physical postures used in hatha yoga. Remember to breathe and always start your yoga practice with a brief meditation. If you are new to yoga, please read our Yoga for Beginner's page

Ahimsa / Non-Violence

Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.

Yogic Wisdom

Surrender appears easy because people imagine that, once they say with their lips ‘I surrender’ and put their burdens on their Lord, they can be free and do what they like. But the fact is that you can have no likes or dislikes after your surrender; your will should become completely non-existent, the Lord’s will taking its place.